Town’s Bolam seeking some home comfort
HEBBURN Town manager Kevin Bolam turned his attention to today’s FA Vase Fourth Round draw after his side saw off Lower Breck to secure their place in the hat.
The Hornets made a poor start on Merseyside and fell behind inside the opening three minutes of the tie as Louis Austin’s goal gave the hosts a surprise lead.
However, a hat-trick from Olly Martin and a goal apiece from Carl Taylor and Michael Richardson were enough to help his side into the fourth round for only the second time in its history.
Bolam sald: “We would like a home draw but we are getting to the stage where you know you will face a tough side.
“I did not think all five Northern League clubs would come through at the weekend and it is sad Benfield have gone.
“What we have left are all quality sides now and nobody will want to face any of them.
“I hope we can carry the run on because I am proud of what the lads have achieved.”
Consett will also be the fourthround draw – but still have work to do before they entertain thoughts of the last 32 after they were held to a draw at Wythershawe Town.
Brad Byrne put the North West Counties League side ahead from the penalty spot on 72 minutes.
However, a Dale Pearson equaliser means the two sides will meet again at Belle Vue on Saturday.
Newcastle Benfield were the only Northern League club to exit the Vase on Saturday after goals from Joe Brandon and Kieran Hammond condemned them to a 2-0 defeat at Vauxhall Motors. ■■SHILDON moved within touching distance of the promotion places in Northern League Division One as a Dan Craggs brace and a late counter from Zak Atkinson helped them to a 3-0 win at Ryhope CW.
Billingham Town lie two points behind the Railwaymen in fifth place after a Glen Butterworth hat-trick inspired them to a 5-0 victory at Ashington.
The on-loan Marske United midfielder hit a treble after Craig Hutchinson and Jamie Davis gave their side a two-goal lead inside the opening 22 minutes of the game at Woodhorn Lane.
Whitley Bay came from behind to claim their first win in six league games against Northallerton Town thanks to efforts from Mark Robinson and Brad Hird.